Published: 01 October 2020  (Updated: 06 November 2020)

PAS 9017 Plastics – Biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment

Plastic packaging that claims to be biodegradable can now be verified via a new benchmark available from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

PAS 9017 Plastics – Biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment specifies the requirements for the biodegradability of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment by setting criteria for the level of chemical transformation to be and appropriate test methods.

However, the PAS does not cover biodegradation in freshwater, marine, landfill and anaerobic environments or industrial composting, home-composting or related end of life scenarios for polyolefin-based products.

Please remember that in addition, claims related to the end products by brands or manufacturers are covered within ISO 14021 Environmental labels and declarations — Self-declared environmental claims.

The new standard is available to purchase from British Standards Institution.

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